Kate Nicholls
This archive features our reporting on Kate Nicholls OBE — a key voice in the UK’s hospitality and foodservice policy landscape. As Chair of UKHospitality, Nicholls plays a central role in lobbying government, shaping regulation, and influencing the commercial environment in which restaurants, pubs, bars, cafés, and catering firms operate. Catering Today covers Nicholls’ statements, policy positions, and leadership activity because her work directly affects the trading conditions, labour challenges, and long-term resilience of foodservice businesses. For operators navigating rising costs, staffing pressures, or post-pandemic recovery, her advocacy and insights are both timely and consequential.
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Jun- 2025 -20 JuneFood and Drink
London mayor backs new al fresco dining spots for summer
London mayor Sadiq Khan has announced new al fresco dining areas are set to open across four London boroughs this summer, as part of a mayoral scheme to support the capital’s hospitality industry. The Summer Streets Fund, a £300k programme backed by Khan, will see streets in Lambeth, Hackney, Waltham…
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16 JuneTrade Associations
UKH secures govt commitment to explore changes to EPR scheme
UKHospitality has secured a commitment from the government to explore changes to the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) scheme, following concerns that the current rules unfairly penalise hospitality businesses. The trade body said some venues are being charged twice for recycling due to regulations that classify certain packaging used in hospitality,…
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12 JuneCatering Companies
Contract caterers see Q1 sales rise 9.5% year-on-year
Contract caterers’ sales rose 9.5% year-on-year in the first quarter of 2025, according to the latest Contract Catering Tracker from CGA by NIQ, Bidfood and UKHospitality. The increase marks the 15th consecutive quarter of growth for the sector, with sales expanding in every quarter since mid-2021. Growth in 2024 ranged…
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11 JuneTrade Associations
UKH calls for NIC rethink as 100,000 jobs lost in May
UKHospitality has called for the increase in employer National Insurance Contributions (NICs) to be reconsidered, as new figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) indicate that more than 100,000 jobs were lost in May as a direct result. The Labour Market Overview, which was published today (11 June), estimates…
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9 JunePeople
Kate Nicholls appointed as UKHospitality chair
UKHospitality has announced that current CEO Kate Nicholls OBE is to step up to the new role of chair, while current deputy CEO Allen Simpson will transition to CEO. At the same time, current non-executive chairman, Steve Cassidy, will move to become president. The move will enable Nicholls and Simpson…
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May- 2025 -27 MayFood and Drink
KFC unveils plans to invest £1.49bn in the UK and Ireland
KFC UK and Ireland has announced plans to invest £1.49bn and create over 7,000 new jobs in the UK and Ireland over the next five years. Of the £1.49bn investment, £466m will go towards opening new restaurants focusing on building flagship sites and drive-thrus in key locations such as Ireland…
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20 MayGovernment
UKH urges UK and EU to agree on flexible youth experience scheme
UKH has urged the UK government and the European Union to pursue a youth experience scheme with “maximum flexibility” for critical cultural exchange and economic benefit. The call comes as the UK and the EU have recently announced a new deal which includes a number of measures intended to improve…
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19 MayRestaurants
UKH celebrates seventh anniversary with new member additions
UKHospitality is celebrating its seventh anniversary with new memberships across all types and sizes of business – from independent pubs, restaurants and hotels, to major UK-wide operators. New members include the Beautiful Pubs Collective, EasyHotel, Fulham Shore, Leonardo Hotels, Nutwood Pubs, Paulton’s Park, Popeye’s and Starbucks. According to UKH, a…
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12 MayGovernment
London Mayor unveils new £300,000 ‘Summer Streets’ fund
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has announced a new £300,000 Summer Streets fund to boost al fresco dining and extend opening hours for pubs, restaurants and venues, in summer 2025. The fund will be delivered in partnership with councils across the city to support restaurants, cafes, small nightlife venues,…
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7 MayTrade Associations
UKH rolls out hospitality training programmes across England
UKHospitality, in partnership with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), has announced the launch of hospitality Sector-based Work Academy Programmes (SWAPs) in 26 areas across England. The new programme trains jobseekers with hospitality skills in a working environment and provides them with both work experience and a guaranteed interview…
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